Asbestos and Occupational Disease Associate

Douglas Scott Global Recruitment; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Office 1–2 days per week

25 days annual leave

Bonus potential

Private healthcare

Job summary

Douglas Scott Global Recruitment is recruiting an Occupational Disease / Asbestos Associate in Newcastle with 1–6 years PQE. The role offers a clear path to senior progression, a high-value caseload, and flexible working patterns including 1–2 days in the office.

You will join a national law firm with a recognised partner, mentoring and progression opportunities, and a supportive team environment focused on career development and quality work.

Qualifications

• 1–6 years PQE in occupational disease/asbestos work or related field.
• Experience running or supporting claimant/defendant asbestos/disease caseload preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage your own caseload of asbestos/occupational disease claims.
• Assist on complex, high-value files with supervision and mentoring.
• Lead and supervise 1–2 junior team members as you progress toward a senior role.

Skills

Asbestos litigation

Occupational disease

Legal research

Job description

Occupational Disease / Asbestos Associate (1 - 6 years PQE) - £65,000 DOE + Bonus

Looking to step into high-value Asbestos work with a clear route to senior progression?

This role gives you exposure to high-value, complex Asbestos-related claims, structured supervision responsibilities, and a clear path forward—all alongside a healthy work-life balance.

You'll join a national law firm in Newcastle working alongside a Partner recognised in the Legal 500, who brings in top-quality work and is actively invested in aiding your career progression.

Previous asbestos experience is not required. The firm is fully open to candidates with a broader claimant or defendant disease background who want to transition into claimant asbestos work.

What this means for you:

• High-Quality Caseload: Manage your own caseload while assisting on complex, high-value Asbestos claims alongside a Legal 500 Partner.
• Leadership & Progression: Supervise 1-2 junior team members with a direct focus on progressing through the ranks to a senior role.
• True Flexible Working: 1 to 2 days per week in the office, with true flexible working hours so you can structure your day around what works best for you.
• Strong Career Support: Direct mentoring to help you build specialist expertise without unnecessary pressure.

What you'll get:

• £65,000 DOE + bonus, with regular salary reviews as you progress.
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays.
• Doubled pension contributions.
• Critical illness cover and private healthcare support.
• A collaborative, well-resourced national team environment.

What support actually looks like:

• Legal 500 Partners who are actively involved and accessible for guidance.
• A structured team environment where complex files are shared and discussed.
• Dedicated hands-on support and informal mentoring to aid your step-up into senior positions.

Ideal Candidate:

• 1 to 6 years PQE with a background running or assisting an Occupational Disease caseload (Claimant or Defendant).
• Ambition to develop expertise in claimant Asbestos litigation and mentor junior fee earners.